How Much Does Pocket Door Installation Cost in 2025?
The average cost of pocket door installation is $1,050
Installing a pocket door costs an average of $800 to $2,500, with most homeowners paying $1,050.
The total cost depends on location, door size, material quality, and installation type.
Hiring a professional door installer ensures the door is properly installed, functions correctly, and meets building codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, installing a pocket door costs between $800 and $2,500, with most homeowners paying $1,050. Costs can vary depending on whether you're installing in new construction or retrofitting an existing wall, and there might be extra expenses for demolition and modifications if needed. Location, door size, and material quality influence their total installation cost. Hiring a professional door installer ensures the job's done right and meets local building codes.
Pocket Door Cost Factors
The cost to install a pocket door depends on factors including its size, the demolition of modifications required, labor rates, and finishes.
Size
Standard pocket doors measure 36 inches, although they're available in a range of sizes. The larger the door, the more you’ll pay for installation and material costs.
| Size (Inches) | New Installation Cost | Remodel Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | $1,350–$2,200 | $450–$1,500 |
| 34 | $1,400–$2,800 | $500–$1,600 |
| 36 | $1,550–$2,950 | $550–$1,850 |
| 46 | $1,600–$3,100 | $600–$1,900 |
| 48 | $1,600–$3,800 | $700–$2,800 |
| 60 | $1,700–$4,200 | $800–$3,300 |
Wall Demolition and Modification
Demolishing a wall to make room for a pocket door can cost between $1,200 and $2,500, making it one of the most significant expenses when adding a pocket door to an existing wall. If your wall isn't load-bearing, demolition is usually straightforward, and costs stay on the lower end. But if the wall is load-bearing, you'll need to work with a structural engineer or contractor to ensure everything's up to code, which can increase costs.
Sometimes, demolishing a wall means dealing with more than just the wall itself. You might need to rewire electrical outlets, move plumbing pipes, or adjust HVAC ductwork. These additional modifications can add to your overall cost. These major changes often also require permits before you can start work.
Here's what you can expect to pay for these modifications:
| Modification Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Plumbing | $1,245 |
| Electrical | $60–$500 per hour |
| HVAC | $570–$1,050 |
Labor
Labor rates to install a pocket door depend on the contractor and where you live. Some general contractors charge by the hour—charging between $350 and $600 for a typical six-hour pocket door installation. For bigger new construction or remodel projects, labor might be charged 10% to 20% of the total construction costs.
Finishes and Add-Ons
Finishing features and add-ons add to your pocket door's convenience and visual appeal but also increase costs. Common add-ons homeowners incorporate into pocket door installation include:
Soundproofing
Insulation
Soft closers
Hardware upgrades
Custom design
Pocket Door Installation Costs by Type
There are three main types of pocket door installations: new construction, existing door frame retrofitting, or French doors. Each method affects the complexity of the installation and the overall cost.
New Construction
Pocket doors cost between $500 and $1,000 to install during new construction, compared to $150 to $200 for a standard door. Installing a pocket door in a new construction is significantly easier than retrofitting, which reduces labor and demolition costs.
Retrofit
Installing a pocket door in an existing wall ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on demolition and additional modification requirements. Pocket doors require a track within the doorway and adjacent wall, which sometimes requires remodeling the wall.
French
French pocket door prices vary by installation type. Installation in new construction costs between $735 and $1,830, while retrofitting an existing wall for French pocket doors ranges from $2,500 to $7,000. French doors include additional installation challenges, such as heavier glass and complex framing, causing your total expenses to increase.
Pocket Door Costs by Material
Pocket doors are available in various materials, each with different benefits and price points. The table below outlines the cost of standard installation in new construction for each material. Keep in mind that remodels add between $900 and $2,200 to the total cost.
| Material | Cost Range per Door (With Installation) |
|---|---|
| Hollow core | $500–$800 |
| Glass | $550–$2,200 |
| Fiberglass | $600–$1,000 |
| Solid wood | $600–$2,200 |
| Aluminum | $600–$2,200 |
| Chalkboard | $500–$2,200 |
Hollow Core
Hollow core doors cost between $500 and $800 to install in new construction. They're lightweight and affordable, with a shell made of wood, medium-density fiberboard, or particleboard over a cardboard or plastic interior. Since they're hollow inside, they aren't very durable and don't insulate against noise well.
Glass
The total cost to install glass pocket doors in new construction ranges from $550 to $2,200. Glass doors offer enhanced lighting and aesthetic appeal but require a stronger frame and proper installation to protect the glass, increasing the overall labor demand.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors cost between $600 and $1,000 in new construction. These lightweight doors offer high durability and low maintenance, requiring occasional scuff repairs. Fiberglass doors can also be designed in various styles, such as woodgrain or smooth.
Solid Wood
Expect to spend $600 to $2,200 to install solid wood pocket doors in new construction. A popular option, solid wood doors are strong, long-lasting, and come in various grains to suit your home's style. Even as they wear over time, they're easily repaired or restored with sanding, staining, and painting.
Aluminum
Aluminum pocket doors cost $600 to $2,200 to install in new construction. Many homeowners choose aluminum doors for their durability and to complement a modern or industrial home design aesthetic.
Budgeting for Installing Pocket Doors
Want to save on your pocket door installation? Here are some tips to help you stay on budget:
Get multiple quotes from local door installers to find the best price.
Include the pocket door installation in a more extensive remodel project to save on one-time fees and receive bulk discounts.
Choose materials wisely—pick options that balance style, durability, and cost.
Consider retrofitting an existing frame instead of demolishing a wall.
Avoid walls with plumbing, wiring, or structural elements to reduce complexity and cost.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pocket Door Installation Pro
While doing it yourself might save you some cash upfront, pocket door installation isn't a simple task. The installation process involves wall demolition, framing, and possibly adjusting electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC systems. Without the right experience, you could end up with costly mistakes or code violations.
Bringing in a professional door installer near you ensures the job's done right. Experienced contractors have the tools and know-how to handle challenges like load-bearing walls and hidden utilities. While it might cost more initially, you'll save time and avoid potential headaches.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pocket doors are more expensive than standard pre-hung doors. While a standard interior door installation costs around $150 to $200, installing a pocket door can run from $1,000 to $3,500, especially on existing walls. The higher price is due to extra work like demolition and modifications. While more costly, installing pocket doors offers benefits like saving space and modern aesthetics that are worth the added expense.
To frame or retrofit a pocket door, you'd need to modify an existing wall to fit the door and its hardware. This process involves opening the wall, ensuring the door has space to slide, and adjusting any wiring or plumbing inside. After creating space, a new frame and track are installed so the door functions properly.
You can use some standard doors as pocket doors, but they must fit the required dimensions. The door has to slide smoothly into the wall cavity, so it must be the right size and thickness. Also, any existing hardware holes need to be adjusted or covered up to work correctly, increasing labor costs.
For a pocket door, you need enough wall space for the door to slide into. A standard 32-inch-wide door requires about 66 inches of wall space in total—including the doorway and the pocket. The wall you install it in should be at least four inches deep to fit the door's thickness.
Installing a pocket door usually takes about six to 12 hours. If your project requires extra work like wall modifications or electrical adjustments, it might take a couple of days. The exact time depends on your home's layout, the type of door you’re installing, and the complexity of the project.
Removing a pocket door involves more than just taking down the door. You'll likely need to open up the wall to access the door mechanism, adjust any wiring or plumbing inside, and then rebuild the wall afterward. Costs can range from $1,000 to $3,200, depending on how much work is needed.
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